14 Must-Try Air Fryer Vegetable Side Dishes

If there’s one kitchen appliance I use every single day, it’s my air fryer. Seriously, it never leaves the counter. While I’ve tried a bunch of recipes in it over the years, these Air Fryer Vegetable Side Dishes are my favorite go-tos. They’re quick, healthy, and full of flavor — even my kids love them!

Whether you’re serving up a weeknight dinner or prepping for a holiday meal, these air-fried veggie sides will save you oven space and keep cleanup to a minimum.

Why I Love Making Air Fryer Vegetable Sides

• They cook fast (no preheating an oven for 20 minutes)
• You can make small or large batches
• They’re often crispier than roasting
• My picky eaters are more likely to try veggies when they have a crispy edge!
• It frees up stovetop and oven space, especially during busy meals like Thanksgiving or Sunday dinner

Let’s jump into my absolute favorite 14 must-try air fryer veggie sides — plus a few helpful tips to get the perfect results every time.

Air Fryer Vegetable Tips Before You Start

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed to make sure everything crisps properly.
• Shake halfway through. This ensures even cooking and golden edges.
• Oil lightly. A little bit of oil goes a long way in the air fryer.
• Season at the right time. Add delicate herbs and cheese after cooking.
• Adjust time for your machine. Air fryer models can vary, so peek in early!

1. Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli

This one turns out surprisingly addictive. The florets get crispy on the edges and tender in the middle. It’s like snack food, but green.

Ingredients:

• 1 head broccoli, chopped
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss everything together in a bowl.
2. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking once halfway through.
3. Top with lemon zest or grated Parmesan if you’d like!

Tip: Add red pepper flakes if you’re serving adults who like a kick.

2. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Perfect for dipping in ranch or marinara — these are a crispy, cheesy favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, cut into sticks
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Dip zucchini in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mix.
2. Arrange in a single layer.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.

3. Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

If you think you hate Brussels sprouts, try them like this. Seriously.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss sprouts with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
3. Sprinkle Parmesan over hot sprouts before serving.

4. Honey Butter Air Fryer Carrots

Sweet, buttery, and completely kid-approved.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Mix carrots with butter, honey, and garlic.
2. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
3. Serve warm with a sprinkle of parsley.

5. Cajun Sweet Potato Wedges

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and so flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions:

1. Toss wedges in oil and seasoning.
2. Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.

Tip: Serve with Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice as a dipping sauce.

6. Crispy Green Beans with Parmesan

A perfect weeknight side. Fast, cheesy, and no soggy beans!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Toss everything together.
2. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.

7. Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

These taste like cauliflower wings without the sauce mess.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss and cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

8. Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Creamy centers with a crispy outer layer — so satisfying!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp rosemary

Instructions:

1. Toss and cook at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
2. Finish with flaky salt and fresh herbs.

9. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Rich, juicy, and surprisingly filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mushrooms, halved
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Toss together.
2. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.

10. Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash

Slightly sweet, cozy, and perfect for fall meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Toss and cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.

11. Air Fryer Roasted Beets

Bright, earthy, and great on salads.

Ingredients:

• 4 beets, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Toss with oil.
2. Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.

12. Eggplant Rounds

Crispy outside, soft inside. Top with marinara and cheese for a mini eggplant parm.

Ingredients:

• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Brush slices and season.
2. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

13. Kale Chips

Crunchy and salty with barely any oil.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale, torn
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Toss and cook at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.

14. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet and juicy with bursts of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Italian seasoning, salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss and cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.

Wrapping It Up: Which One Will You Try First?

That’s the roundup! I hope you’re inspired to give these air fryer veggie sides a try. They’re not only healthy but seriously crave-worthy.

If you try one of these, I’d love it if you tagged me on Pinterest @RitzyRecipes or dropped a comment to share your favorite.

Happy cooking, friends!